Question: When offering condolences, we notice most of the people kiss the one being offered condolences [from the family of the deceased] or [even] embrace them, whilst some [of the people] dislike that – saying that shaking hands is sufficient when offering condolences. So what is the opinion of your excellency in this [matter], and may Allaah reward you with good.

Response: When offering condolences, it is best to shake hands upon meeting, unless the one being offered condolences or even the one offering condolences has just arrived from a journey, in which case it is legislated – in addition to shaking hands – to embrace [one another], based upon the saying of Anas (radhi-yAllaahu ‘anhu):

“The Companions of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would shake hands upon meeting [one another], and if they have just arrived from a journey, then they would embrace [one another]”.